As the third most populous city in The Equality State, Rock Springs boasts stunning sights such as Flaming Gorge and various festivals year-round. Our city is known for its diversity and constant flow of visitors; unfortunately, car accidents often go hand in hand.
No matter how safely we drive, vehicle collisions still occur, affecting not only our Wyoming natives but anyone else who may be driving through, such as truck drivers from nearby oil fields or sightseers on their way to their next historical site.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a crash, a Rock Springs car accident lawyer is available to help you fight for the compensation owed to you. Even smaller accidents can be devastating, and you shouldn’t have to pay the price for someone else’s negligent actions. Contact us at Edwards Law Office, P.C. for a free case evaluation to discuss your crash and any rights you may have to secure compensation.
Types of Car Collisions in Sweetwater County
According to the Wyoming Department of Transportation 2021 Report on Traffic Crashes, there were 524 total reported crashes in Rock Springs. Of those reported, 93 resulted in injuries and 3 resulted in fatalities. Most vehicle collisions fall into one of the following categories:
- Rear-end: This generally occurs when a vehicle is following too closely to the vehicle immediately in front of it within the same lane. The vehicle behind crashes into the back of the vehicle in front of it.
- Head-on: When two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide, resulting in the front ends of both vehicles crashing together. This type of accident is usually rare but often the deadliest.
- Side-swipe: This happens when two vehicles traveling side by side get too close and end up hitting each other. Generally, this is caused when one of the drivers attempts to change lanes without properly ensuring the lane is clear to do so.
- T-bone: Also called a broadside collision, a T-bone accident occurs when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another. This generally happens when a driver runs a red light or through other types of intersections.
- Pile-up: Commonly called a chain reaction crash, a pile-up is when the initial impact of one vehicle on another causes more vehicles to collide. This happens often during inclement weather or in heavy traffic areas.
No matter the details of your crash or how mild your injuries and damages may be, you may still be eligible to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver with the help of Edwards Law Office, P.C.
Legal Requirements of Wyoming Drivers
Not only can a car accident be a challenge due to injuries, trauma, dealing with insurance companies, etc., but there are also laws that all Wyoming drivers are required to follow in the event that they’ve been involved in a vehicle collision. Failure to follow these and other road laws may result in fines or prosecution.
According to WY Statute 31-5-1103, any driver involved in an accident resulting in damage, injury, or death is required to stop, exchange personal information, and give reasonable assistance to any injured persons.
Additionally, WY Statute 31-5-1105 requires all drivers who are involved in an accident that clearly results in $1,000 or more of damages, or renders a vehicle disabled enough to prevent its normal and safe operation to report the accident to the police or other law enforcement by the quickest means of communication.
Expected Compensation for Your Crash
When you bring your case to a Rock Springs car accident lawyer, they will likely explain that there’s no real way to know how much you may receive in compensation as the details of each case are unique. However, they may also explain the common damages that car accident victims like you may receive compensation for, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death
Your lawyer will also want you to understand that Wyoming follows a modified comparative negligence law, as listed in WY Statute 1-1-109. This means that you as the victim can still recover compensation even if you are found to be partly at fault, as long as your percentage of fault 50% or less. However, the amount of compensation you might receive will be reduced by the percentage of fault you have.
Why You Need the Assistance of a Rock Springs Car Accident Attorney If You’re Hurt
Although many vehicle collisions may seem straightforward at first, they can quickly become complex and it’s in the best interest of the success of your case to hire a Rock Springs car accident lawyer who has the necessary experience to help you navigate any obstacles that enter your path during the claims or lawsuit filing process.
At Edwards Law Office, P.C., we understand the nuances of Wyoming laws and we will help you fight for justice against those who have caused you harm. Reach out to our office today for a free consultation and see how we can assist you.